The release of results for 460,611 students who took the 2024 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) has been delayed, leaving their academic futures uncertain. The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) cites a GH₵118 million debt owed by the government as the reason for the hold-up.
WAEC’s Public Relations Officer, John Kapi, disclosed that the council has exhausted its financial reserves, making it impossible to continue operations without the overdue payment.
“We’ve used every little resource we had to sustain operations. This time around, we have nothing to fall back on, and that’s why we’re urging the government to settle this debt to enable us to complete our work,” he explained.
Anxiety Among Students
The delay has sparked widespread concern among students, particularly those relying on their results to meet university application deadlines. Many have voiced their frustration and fears of academic disruption.
One student shared their worries in an interview with JoyNews, saying:
“This situation is making us anxious. Without our results, we can’t move forward academically. The government needs to act quickly to ensure the results are released.”
Another added:
“If the results are delayed until next year, it will create unnecessary pressure and confusion during the university placement process.”
Stakeholders Raise Concerns
Dr. Cynthia Kpeglo, Executive Secretary of Vice Chancellors’ Ghana, warned of broader academic implications if the issue persists.
“Delays in the academic calendar disrupt teaching and learning, and restructuring programs to accommodate these changes will be a challenge. There are financial implications and knowledge gaps to consider. Whatever the cause of this challenge, it must be addressed immediately,” she urged.
Calls for Urgent Action
Students, parents, and educational stakeholders are appealing to the government to urgently settle WAEC’s debt to avoid further disruptions to the educational calendar. The prolonged uncertainty risks derailing academic plans and affecting the future of thousands of students.
The situation underscores the need for timely financial interventions to safeguard the integrity of the educational system and ensure uninterrupted academic progression.
